Music to Your Ears

Save Q!

By Jessica Cassyle Carr

Among contributors to the broad New Mexico soundscape, some have been fortunate enough to cross paths with the immensely talented and endearingly eccentric audio engineer Quincy Adams. Over the years Quincy, also known as Q!, has worked on countless recordings for our region's musicians, his eclectic archive of projects including rock bands past and present, experimental artists, and an abundance of local rappers and hip-hop groups. Along with expert sound, anyone who has worked with Q! has probably been privy to his excellent sense of humor, engaging conversation and all-around good nature. Sadly, during the past couple months, Q! has become increasingly sick, and his studio has closed down. He is now faced with a life-threatening illness and the colossal bills that come with it.

In order to help him cover the considerable costs of medical care, at 7 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 17, High Mayhem in Santa Fe will hold a benefit for Q!, with music by several groups who have worked with him over the years: The Late Severa Wires, We Drew Lightning, Out of Context and Unit 7 Drain. There will also be a fire performance by DNA and High Mayhem visual art for sale. The cost is a $10 to $20 suggested donation, and all proceeds will go toward assisting Q!

The event takes place at High Mayhem Studios, 1703-B Lena, in Santa Fe. Representatives of the venue believe this is one of the most important shows they've put on. "Q! has tirelessly taught us for the last six years in producing all our albums,” the High Mayhem folks say in an e-mail. “We are forever indebted to his remarkable talents as an engineer, a teacher and a friend."